Neck Injuries: History Informs Challenges

Throughout history, neck injuries have plagued humanity. From gladiatorial combat to battlefield clashes, the neck's vulnerability has been a constant concern. Early treatments were limited, with Egyptians using splints and traction for whiplash-like injuries. Hippocrates, the "Father of Medicine," focused on realigning dislocated vertebrae. Fast forward to today, and neck injuries remain a common woe. Car accidents, sports injuries, and even poor posture due to our tech-driven world all contribute to the problem. Modern medicine offers a wider range of treatments, from advanced imaging techniques for diagnosis to minimally invasive surgeries for spinal correction. However, a new dilemma has emerged. Our sedentary lifestyles and constant downward gaze at phones and tablets lead to chronic neck pain and a condition called "text neck." The delicate balance of the cervical spine suffers under this strain. Herein lies the modern dilemma: while medical advancements offer effective treatments for acute injuries, preventing these issues in the first place becomes increasingly crucial.